A majority of Spotsylvania supervisors decided last night to approve a 150-town house project even though it could cost the county more in public services in the long run.
The five supervisors who approved Mallard Landing off Tidewater Trail seemed to support jump-starting the housing economy.
Mallard Landing near New Post is the first solely residential rezoning of more than 100 units that the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors has passed in about a year. Tricord Company proposed that all of the units will be in the affordable price range and average $225,000.
On a 5-2 vote, supervisors agreed to rezone 25 acres off Tidewater Trail from mostly residential to a higher density of residential. Planning Department staff reports stated that although the project did have strong transportation, open space and affordable-housing components, the impacts of this development will create too much of a financial burden on the county. The developer is offering about $3.2 million less in cash to offset the costs of local government services for this project.
Staff recommended denying the project. Supervisor Benjamin Pitts and Gary Jackson voted against the project.
Ron Maupin, an attorney representing Tricord, said the project will provide much-needed work force housing in the county. He said each town house will produce $13,000 in revenue in fees, such as water and sewer hookups.
"This will stimulate the economy," Maupin said.
All eight residents who spoke at the public hearing asked that the project be approved.
"Gentleman, affordable housing is where it's got to start to turn this economy around," said Rick Robinson, a Lanes Corner Road resident.
Supervisor Gary Skinner, in whose district this development is located, said this project will put people to work. Skinner quickly addressed the difference in voluntary cash proffers by saying that these are special times and the county needs to make special rules to accommodate developers in difficult economic times.
"The most critical thing is we need to have stimulus; we need to have jobs back in this county," Skinner said.
Supervisor Hap Connors said in better economic times he would question Tricord on some of the issues he has with the proposal. In the end, he said he thought this project could help the local economy.
"I'd rather have a worker who is employed and has money in his or her pocket paying taxes or paying rent or buying a new home, just contributing to the economy in Spotsylvania, rather than working in the unemployment line," he said.
Dan Telvock: 540/374-5438
Email: dtelvock@freelancestar.com